The UW MS in Data Science program trains Data Scientists with a core set of skills to work in industry. While we do not train academic researchers or provide specializations, there are many programs at UW that do and may better meet your needs.
Common Alternatives to the UW MSDS Program
✔ Looking for a research or academic degree?
If you are hoping to do academic research, get a Ph.D., and/or become a professor in the Data Science field, some programs at our partner departments are a better choice than the UW MSDS program. UW MSDS is not a program where students do academic research, go on to pursue a Ph.D., or teach at a university. Many of these programs can be pursued directly after undergraduate study. In particular, we recommend:
- The Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering can focus on a computer science-related Data Science specialization and is an excellent choice for Data Scientist who wish to focus on algorithmic or engineering aspects of Data Science.
- The iSchool Ph.D. in Information Science can provide in-depth specializations in Data Science, and can focus on societal, ethical, and information implications of Data Science.
- Other Ph.D. programs at MSDS partner departments. Be sure to check out the chart below for Ph.D. programs in our various, world-renowned partner departments, each of which has a different disciplinary approach.
✔ Looking for specializations within Data Science?
Many applicants are hoping to gain deep specialized knowledge within a sub-domain of Data Science like Natural Language Processing, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or other hot topics within the field. While we provide some curricula on topics like this through our core and special topics classes, we do not provide much depth in specializations. If your focus is on deep specialization, we have some suggestions:
- Other masters degree programs at UW. Check out some of the graduate options at UW Computer Science & Engineering and other partner departments below, as many of these topics are actively being studied at the College of Engineering and other programs.
- Consider pursuing a Ph.D. in a Data Science-related discipline. Many students find their desire for a deep dive into a specialization will only be fulfilled by doing research into a highly specialized area. See the chart below for our partner departments’ Ph.D. programs.
- Consider another Data Science program at another institution that offers specializations. Many other programs outside UW offer the ability to specialize in specific sub-domains of Data Science. While we don’t recommend other specific schools or programs outside UW, you can generally find these through a quick web search.
✔ Looking for a business, information management, biomedical statistics, or other degree with a sub-focus on Data Science?
Some students are really looking for a business, medical, or other focus, with a sub-focus of Data Science. If this is you, we encourage you to explore these and similar options:
- The Foster Business School’s IT-related degrees. The Foster School offers many business-related IT degrees, some of which have additional curricula around Data Science and Analytics.
- The iSchool MS in Information Management (MSIM) program. The Information School provides a professional master’s degree focused on Information Management with several specializations, including Data Science and Business Intelligence.
- The Master of Science in Biostatistics. If you are looking for a program that help answer pressing research questions in medicine, biology and public health using Data Science and Analytics skills, the MS in Biostatistics is a great option.
- The GIX MS in Technology Innovation (MSTI) program. The Global Innovation Institution “inspires innovators to solve real-world challenges through the responsible application of advanced technologies.” Their MS in Technology Innovation (MSTI) program “provides students with the technical expertise, design thinking skills, and project-team experience to succeed in large tech companies, high-growth start-ups, or their own ventures.”
✔ Looking for Data Science curriculum without specific prerequisite requirements?
There are many seeking entry into a Data Science program or similar IT-related program, but who do not yet have or cannot document knowledge of the specific prerequisite skills the UW MSDS program requires. For applicants like these, time may be of the essence to get into a graduate program and move forward to completing a degree, and it may be a better idea to pursue a program without prerequisites. Here are a few recommendations:
- The iSchool MS in Information Management (MSIM) program. The Information School provides a professional master’s degree focused on Information Management with several specializations, including Data Science and Business Intelligence. MSIM does not require specific prerequisite skills to apply.
- The GIX MS in Technology Innovation (MSTI) program. The Global Innovation Institution MS in Technology Innovation (MSTI) program “provides students with the technical expertise, design thinking skills, and project-team experience to succeed in large tech companies, high-growth start-ups, or their own ventures.” MSTI does not require specific prerequisite knowledge.
- Programs at other universities/institutions. Many Data Science master’s degree programs at other institutions do NOT require the minimum skill levels we do at the UW MSDS program to assure program success. While we do not recommend specific programs outside of UW, you can discover these through a simple web search.
Partner Departments
The MS in Data Science program has six world-renowned partner departments on the UW campus. Each department has related professional & research master’s degree programs that focus on their specific discipline, plus a Ph.D. program that provides an academic research focus.
| Partner | Professional Specialization | Research Focus |
| Applied Mathematics (AMATH) | MS in Applied Mathematics | Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics |
| Biostatistics | MS in Biostatistics | Ph.D. in Biostatistics |
| Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) | Professional Master’s Program in Computer Science & Engineering (PMP) | Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering |
| Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) | MS in Human-Centered Design & Engineering | Ph.D. in Human-Centered Design & Engineering |
| Information School | MS in Information Management (offers Data Science and Business Intelligence specializations) | Ph.D. in Information Science |
| Statistics | MS in Statistics | Ph.D. in Statistics |
Other Related Programs of Note
- The UW Foster Business School offers many IT-related business programs that may be of relevance to your search for a graduate degree. These degrees generally focus on business process, monetization, and other related areas but can include Data Science and Business Analytics among these.
- The UW Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) “inspires innovators to solve real-world challenges through the responsible application of advanced technologies.” Their MS in Technology Innovation program could be a good choice for those seeking an interdisciplinary technology degree.
- UW Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) offers some data science curriculum in a more engineering-focused setting. “UW ECE faculty and students conduct research in surprisingly diverse areas including data science, machine learning, brain-computer interfaces, integrated photonics, quantum computing, robotics, sustainable energy and much more.”